The EU Referendum: Notts TV News guide to everything you need to know

Britain will decide on June 23 whether to continue with its membership of the European Union – but a raucous debate has left the issue clouded in controversy.

Here Notts TV presents the simple facts on the ‘in-out’ poll – from how to vote to where to go for information to make up your mind.

In the run-up to the day Notts TV will also be running coverage online, on TV and across social media.

Watch on channel 7 on Freeview, Sky 117, Virgin 159 and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

What is the EU?

The European Union is a partnership of 28 countries which makes joint political and economic decisions. Its roots can be traced back to the Second World War, when alliances were drawn up to strengthen trade and reduce the chances of countries going to war with each other. The union has used its current name and format since 1993.

Most members of the union share the Euro as currency – it is currently used by 19 countries. Britain has long debated about joining the Euro, but has kept the pound after uncertainty about the Euro’s stability.

The EU also has its own parliament, where member states meet to debate issues on the environment, transport, consumer issues, security and human rights.

What is the EU Referendum?

The blanket media coverage of the vote and the varying statistics and claims thrown around by politicians can make the whole topic seem confusing to understand.

The referendum will give British citizens the opportunity to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to being part of the European Union (EU). Britain has been a member since 1973, at the time there were just nine members. Since then it has expanded.

The referendum is happening as part of a pledge made by Prime Minister David Cameron ahead of the 2015 General Election.

When is it happening?

Voting takes place on Thursday, June 23, from 7am until 10pm.
Those who are entitled to vote, and have registered will be able to participate.
The vote will be counted at various locations across Nottinghamshire. A result is expected any time between midnight and 9am on Friday.

Leave or Remain?

Both sides have several common themes and arguments. Each side has routinely disputed the other’s key statistics and claims.

Britain Stronger in Europe is the official remain campaign and its figureheads include David Cameron, George Osborne, Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and recently elected London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Some of their main arguments and claims include:

Although our membership of the EU costs around £340 per household, overall we receive more back in investment by being in the union

Being part of the EU means cheaper prices in supermarkets, on flights and in trade opportunities

Being in the EU gives Britain more power on the global stage

Britain can tackle security threats with the help of the EU

Vote Leave is the campaign for leaving the EU, it’s headed by key Conservative figures Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and Iain Duncan Smith as well as Nigel Farage, among other political figures.

Some of their main arguments and claims include:

The EU does not represent value for money and costs Britiain £350m a week

Membership means our borders are too open, and the country cannot cope with the number of people migrating to the UK

The EU has too much supremacy over sections of UK law

Leaving will mean the UK can regain a place on international bodies like the World Trade Organisation, giving the country more of a say on trade

A special EU Referendum edition of the Notts TV Debate will broadcast on Friday, June 17 at 7.30pm on channel 7 on Freeview, Sky 117 and Virgin 159